Aside from its Zamboanga Sibugay mine, the company is likewise engaged in coal exploration and development activities in Isabela and Surigao del Sur via coal operating contracts 122, 141 and 140. PNOC-EC also operates coal terminals in Zamboanga Sibugay, Cebu, Batangas, and North Harbor for its integrated coal trading activities. These locations have been serving as handling facilities for local as well as imported coal which the company supplies to power plants and cement factories.

PNOC-EC is also into oil and gas exploration. It currently holds interest along prospect areas in Cagayan, Ragay Gulf, Offshore Mindoro, Calamian, West Calamian, West Balabac and East Sabina. Its biggest venture in oil and gas development to date is still the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project. Its Service Contract (SC) 38 for the Malampaya field is only the acreage in the production phase; while the rest are still exploration blocks.

The company is also aligning a budget of $100 million for its next round of investment in the Malampaya project. Given its current financial standing, PNOC-EC noted that it is all set for capital infusion once the project consortium-members comes off for a “cash call.”

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Principals of the Philippine Basketball League (PBA) are among the giants in the Philippine business sector. Smart-PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang, Alaska Milk owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Rain or Shine co-owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que, and Barako Bull’s George Chua have all confirmed attendance in the meeting.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud said on the upcoming meeting, “I see it as an affirmation of their strong interest and concern to see to it that the PBA goes to the next level in living up to expectation of fans. This is a positive message of their commitment to make the PBA more attractive and more accessible to broader and younger fans base.”

He added that the meeting was set on common move by the Commissioner’s Office and the team owners to eventually resolve lingering concerns and issues. “Specific resolutions have to be made. I think they are interested in resolving these issues now to set directions how the leave will move forward,” Salud said.

On the on-and-off PBA coliseum plan, he said, “It’s been on the table for a long time. It has to be resolved. Do we pigeonhole it? Or do we go through with it?” But the most important of the meeting, Salud hinted, is the TV contract. “The matter of who will cover the PBA is crucial and vital because they will be the marketing partner of the PBA. The front office is tasked to improve the product which is the game, then we need to have a good marketing partner,” he said.

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A franchise is like a package that you can buy if you want to start a business but you don’t know what to do. And in this package it is full of many usable ideas that you can use and learn on. Most in this ideas are tried and tested from other franchiser that have their own experience so you can be confident if you invest with them.

And if you enter a franchise it is not like you buy their product then you do the other things on your own. If you enter a franchise the franchisor will support you not only in the improvement of the product but also in the idea of financial supporting.

And also you will learn how to play the market especially in the community where you are in. You can also apply your own idea so that you can improve your own store.

The ideal franchise opportunities are food oriented business, service oriented business and also the combination of the two ideas.

Whether what ideas it may be a successful franchise is still considered in the determination of person who wants to enter it.

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The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) even said that thier members have increase to 130 from 75 members in the first half of this year. And its members have expanded their outlets for more than a 5,000 outlets and it also created a more or less 30,000 jobs.

The main reason why the franchising in the Philippines is so strong today is because many filipino can afford to franchise even if you only have a not so big capital just to make sure that you have the right know-how because sustaining a business is not so easy at the start.

Some of the franchising corp. is targeting not only the Philipine market but also the asia and Us market as well.

The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) also said that even small business has now getting bigger and expanding thier outlets. So that is a good sign that anyone can be sucessful in this industry just make sure that the one your entering in is a legitimate one.

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Richard V. Sanz, president and chief executive officer of FoodAsia Corp., the mother company of Bibingkinitan!, said that the 50 percent of the new stores that will be put up would be owned by the company, while the other 50 percent would be franchised.

The company’s focus, according to Sanz, is towards establishing more stores in smaller-sized malls and roadside locations in provincial cities and capital towns. “Last year we already saturated the big malls so our direction now is to go on smaller malls and provincial cities and towns,” he said.

Sans also added that the product line of Bibingkinitan! has also expanded. They now also serve other foods like “pancit in bilaos” and “Bar-B-Q” for take-out. The company’s target is to position Bibingkinitan! as the preferred brand for parties, gatherings and “pasalubong” (take-home) food packages.

He was also proud to announce that the name Bibingkinitan! is now a recognized and an established brand. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is even offering a collateral-free loan to its prospective franchisees. “The fact that a bank in the stature of BPI is willing to offer collateral-free loan for our franchisees shows that Bibingkinitan! is already a trusted brand and a highly feasible investment opportunity,” Sanz said.

He is also happy to announced that they have developed a very affordable franchise package they called the “Franchise Lite.” Under the said package, franchisees can pay the franchise cost in six months at zero interest and without any down payment.

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The said refilling plant is very much capable of supporting up to 300 stores and its production capacity is said to be eight times higher that the company’s existing plants in Cavite, Pangasinan and Zambales.

PR Gaz Haus sells its own brand of LPG in 2.7-, 5-, 11-, 22-, and 50-kilogram cylinders. It currently has 93 stores in the Luzon area, 13 of which are located in Metro Manila and the rest are in Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Laguna and Cavite.

The company owns the 61 of the store outlets, and the rest are franchised.

PR Gaz Haus’s franchise fee is P150,000 for a five-year contract, while the whole franchise package cost about  P1.2 million which covers the inventory for three days, software, renovation, signages, two tricycles for delivery and training of personnel.

Par said, “We expect our sales to continue picking up with our customers, particularly those in the provinces, relying more on LPG instead of firewood and coal because of the rainy days were having.” She said the company’s sales I currently growing by 20% over last year, exceeding its 2009 target of 18% growth.

PR Gaz Haus, Par added, has already built a customer base of about 160,000 since it started retailing in 2003 mainly through its aggressive “presales” program, in which the company’s technicians are giving free stove check-up and cleaning even to noncustomers.

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Take Ofel Dator’s word for it. Dator, owner of the Ofel’s Poultry Farm and a contract grower for SMFI said, “I’d definitely encourage any would-be investor to strongly consider becoming an SMFI Poultry breeder. It has turned out to be a very good venture for us.

Ofel began his business in 2005 with minimal capital outlay, together with her husband Serafin Dator. Four years later, Ofel’s Poultry Farm is doing great business earning well over P2.5 million a year. They were recently adjudged Luzon’s Top Contract Breeder for SMFI.

One of the main reasons why the couple chooses to be an SMFI poultry breeder is that it carries the brand Magnolia Fresh Chicken and therefore believed that it is a sure-fire investment. They also believe that in spite of the condition of the economy, food businesses will continue to stand firm. They are confident that there will be no end to the need for chicken meat products, and therefore, no end to the need for their products.

Another reason the couple choose to be an entrepreneur is that they see it as one way of helping their community by providing jobs. Their workers were mostly their neighbors and friends. Ofel said, “These are the people who care for the farm. May malasakit because they are our friends, and because they see how much we care for them as well since we treat them as family members already.”

Ofel also assured that being a contract breeder for SMFI is a sound investment because the company will take good care you – from the layers to the feeds, to the purchasing of your products and the ready assistance given by their Broiler Production Representatives and their Breeder Technicians. “SMFI really takes care of their breeders and growers,” she said.

If you are looking for a sound investment for your hard-earned money, check out www.magnoliachicken.com and see the opportunities waiting for you as SMFI’s contract breeder and grower.

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The Global Franchise of the Year is given to outstanding Filipino franchisers who have gone overseas and successfully made a global mark.

As an emerging global brand, Jollibee brings the best Filipino family experiences in 50 stores across countries such as the United States, Hong Kong, Brunei, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia.

The Franchise Excellence Awards annually recognizes franchise companies which have shown excellence in business growth and ethical practice. This is organized by the PFA supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

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The PSC said that the positive performance for the period January to March was brought about by the aggregate growth in revenues, which is complimented by its effective cost management. The company registered an eight percent growth in revenue from merchandise sold to P1.36 billion, from P1.26 billion in the same period last year due to the continuous expansion of its store network.

As of the end of first quarter, PSC has 371 stores in Metro Manila and Luzon, which represents a 17 percent increase to its previous year’s level of 318. To date, the company has the largest convenience store network in the Philippines.

Of the network of stores, the number of franchised outlets reached 203, which accounted for 55 percent of total stores as of March this year. “The increasing store base has driven the first quarter’s profitability amidst the challenges poses by the global economic slowdown,” PSC said in a statement.

“7-Eleven is working to optimize the earnings of its stores by improving merchandise assortment and ensuring stock availability. It also aims to open new stores in strategic locations to further strengthen its foothold in the markets where it is present,” the company said.

“The company also continues to evaluate the performance of stores that dragged profitability. In the first quarter, seven new stores were opened and four under-performing stores were closed. These efforts are geared towards the goal of the organization of enhancing shareholder value,” it added

For the rest of the year, PSC plans to increase the number of its franchise-owned outlets to more than half of its total network, as it strengthens its commitment to promote franchising business as a good investment opportunity for those who want to get into the retail industry.

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“RCSI is presently in the expansion mode and through the Creative Lease business agreement, we hope to open more Ministop stores while giving our business partners a new option on how they can grow with us,” stated Robinsons Convenience Stores, Inc (RCSI) deputy general manager Paul H. Darroca.

Aside from the newly-added Creative Lease, Ministop offers two other leasing options namely, the Standard Lease and the Master Lease packages. Under the Standard Lease agreement, the business partner shoulders land and building rental, and hires a store manager to look after the store’s daily operations.

The Master Lease Package, on the other hand, stipulates that business partners render full time, hands-on work in the store for 10 years (the standard contract duration) preventing them from opening another outlet even if they can already afford a new one. However, RCSI takes care of land and building rental.

Creative Lease combines a number of key characteristics of both the Standard and Master Lease packages. Patterned after an existing model in Japan where the Ministop franchise originated, the Creative Lease is primarily targeted at existing Master Lease business partners who have become successful in their current store operations. To date, most of Ministop outlets operate under the Master Lease business agreement.

The Creative Lease offers more leg room for business partners to increase their productivity. Just like the Standard Lease, it allows business partners to hire a store manager. This way, there is no need for business partners to work full time and they can manage to run multiple outlets at the same time.

The Creative Lease package also makes it easier for RCSI to penetrate the Makati and Ortigas commercial districts. The high cost of rent in these areas often prevents business partners from opening stores in these highly competitive locations. Under Creative Lease, RCSI shoulders the monthly rental expenses, thus, giving potential and existing business partners on Standard Lease the opportunity to break through in these prime commercial districts at a lower cost.

The introduction of the Creative Lease business package hopes to boost the number of Ministop stores in the Philippines while increasing the profitability of RCSI and its business partners. “We are projecting to open 100 stores annually and without these business packages, it can be quite difficult,” Darroca declared.

In addition to the 250 Ministop outlets, 35 stores are now under construction. RCSI is also looking at the possibility opening more provincial outlets, reaching as far as Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan, Tarlac, Dagupan, Lucena, and perhaps, Baguio. Today, Ministop provincial outlets operate in Batangas, Pampanga and Bataan.

For more information on Ministop business opportunities, interested parties may get in touch with the Ministop Business Group at637-9956;637-9957; (0922) 878-0628; and (0922) 878-0629 or send us an email at business@ministop.com.ph.

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Admitting in public that you have been scammed is not easy. Often people would rather not talk about it. They don’t want to admit that their being gullible has made them lose not only their money by their self respect as well. This is one of the reasons why we seldom hear about a franchise scam. We usually hear about its success but the scam part of the story doesn’t usually get enough media attention.

Franchisees should be discern and be cautious enough in looking out for fraud franchises This is what would only protect them from falling into a franchise scam. Below are some pieces of advice to help those who would want to buy franchises whether to sign the contract or just courteously turn it down.

Looking before Leaping

There are usually two reason why the franchise scam have been successful in deceiving people who want to acquire a franchise of a business, this is according to the chairperson of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) Ma. Alegria Sibal-Limjoco. First is the insufficient knowledge and details on the franchising business. And, the attraction to the small capital that a franchise scam is offering.

Sibal- Limjoco said that a business cannot really franchise itself rightfully unless it has proven its success. She warned the public not to be attracted to businesses offering P10, 000 to P20, 000 for not all businesses requiring such small amount are genuine.

Rudolf Kotik, a franchise consultant shared that franchises as low as P10, 000 are usually just down payments for the business. And you will only discover this once you have already engaged in the franchise contract. He also warned the public not to easily engaged to franchises with higher capital neither. He gave an example of a Halo-halo franchise amounting to P330, 000 where the alleged halo- halo franchisee simply disappeared with his halo-halo cart once the payment was made.

Doing Background Checks

Kotif said that in order to avoiding being scammed in franchising, one must ensure that the franchiser is real and legitimate. A legitimate franchiser must be affiliated with any of the three franchisees associations in the Philippines. You can have the franchiser verified first in the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), and/or the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

According the president of BMG Franchise Developers, Inc., Butz Bartolome, a franchise scam won’t identify who the owner of the franchise is. Instead they will just share telltale stories to attract the franchisees. The agent of the franchise would convince the franchisee that the franchise is very affordable, that return of investment will happen in a short time, and that it can lead you in becoming a millionaire and can stop working. These are the three tale tell signs that would indicate that a franchise is a scam.
In an explanation given by Bartolome, he said that the franchisee and the franchiser should have the franchise agreement which will define the relationship of the two parties. This agreement is usually 35- 45 pages depending on the agreement and cannot be defined in a three page franchise agreement which the franchise scams usually ask their prospected victim to sign. He said that because it is the experience of the franchiser and the franchised product that you are buying, it may cost you a little bit, at least P150, 000. Bartolome recommended doing the following to avoid scams:
• Evaluation of the business franchise
• Checking how long the product can last
• Assessment of its competitiveness with other products
• Determine its profitability
• Determine what is the business model
• Determine the total investment needed
• Identify support programs

A retiree from a paper manufacturing company, Mercedes “Chedeng” Anglo, who once was victimized by franchise scams said that people should not only think of the way to earn money fast rather they should pay attention to the details of the business. She added that to be sure that it is not a scam; payment of the franchised business should be done in the franchiser’s office not just anywhere.

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Textured or texturized vegetable protein (TVP) use is one way to save ingredients cost. Known as textured soy protein (TSP) for others, it is high in protein, low in fat and is quick to cook. TVP is made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of making soy bean oil. It is used as a meat substitute or supplement and in fact is much healthier than meats in numerous aspects.

Facts about TVP

The leguminous soya bean plant produces seeds which are known as soya beans. From these soya beans, different products like soya sauces soya oil, tempeh, miso and tofu are derived. Like these products TVP which contains 50% soy protein is also prepared through soya beans. The structure of soy protein is changed through extrusion technology which results to a spongy matrix with fibers comparable to that of a meat. Using the ratio of 1:2, TVP needs to be rehydrated in water before use. On the other hand, TVP from a concentration of soy has 70% protein. The ratio of 1:3 can be used to rehydrate TVP with higher protein content.

When rehydrated, TVP can take on the textures of many dishes. It has no flavors and usually comes in forms of small dry chunks, strips, granules, flakes and finely ground powder. By simply mixing TVP with water and allowing it to rest for couple of minutes, it is already prepared and ready for use.

You can add TVP to dishes to save ingredients because once cooked with sauces or marinades, its difference with a real meat would be difficult to identify. It is widely used as additional ingredients to nuggets, sausages, vegetarian hotdogs, chicken patties hamburgers and even canned foods. So, most probably, a lot of us have already eaten TVP unknowingly.

The use of TVP by Karinderia businesses is not actually cheating customers, rather it is providing the customers with better health benefits coming from soya such as:

• It is a good source of Vitamin B12
• It provides high protein without the fats
• It has compounds that exhibits anti-carcinogenic activity
• It is cholesterol free and is a good source of fiber.
Decrease in the cholesterol level in the serum has been shown using soya diets.
• With the Japanese using this diet for over 400 years, low incidence of menopausal syndrome has been attributed to high utilization of soya.
• Unlike in meats, VP is free from antibiotic residues.

Economical Advantages of TVP

TVP is far cheaper even to the cheapest cuts of meat. When rehydrated, a kilogram of TVP is equaled to three kilograms of meat. Typical karinderia dishes can then use this for about 20%-40% as replacement of the meat needed.

With the use of TVP, none of the food value is lost in preparation. As an example, in burgers or longganisa, 20% of the ground meat is fat. This means that after browning and draining, some of the food value is lost which ends up to lesser burger or longganisa.

In addition, gas consumption is also saved because there is lesser cooking time to soften meats. Electricity is as well saved because TVP can be stored at room temperature for more than a year. And with this, even time is saved because there won’t be any thawing or defrosting needed.

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These days, numbers of people are patronizing Lotto. Almost every night, you can find long lines of people waiting for their turn to have a bet on their lucky numbers for the Lotto draw. People are trying to find their luck and be instant millionaire. Others find it an opportunity to start up a business that’s why lots of people are inquiring on the steps in franchising a lotto outlet. As of the moment, Visayas and Mindanao area the hot spot if you want to have a franchise of lotto outlet. This is because according to the press release of PCSO, the application for franchising lotto outlet in Luzon is temporarily suspended.

Applying as an Online Lottery Agent

1. Upon application, the Online Lottery Application Form is requested to be filled-up by the applicant. Aside from your application form, the following should be attached:
• Proposed outlet site map location/sketch
• Picture of the proposed site location building

2. After then, the proposed outlet site will be inspected and evaluated technically by the PCSO.

3. If the proposed site passed the evaluation, the applicant will be informed to prepare the necessary requirements required by the PCSO.

4. Prior to installation of the facilities, the applicant shall be notified by the PCSO regarding the status of the application with reference to the availability of communication facilities in the proposed outlet site.

5. PCSO will inform the applicant when to start the construction of the lotto booth.

6. The terminal will then be subjected for installation.

7. Processing fee and installation fee shall then be paid to PCSO.

8. Then proceed to the 2nd floor of Annex 1 building for payment of Surety Bond to the GSIS.

9. Training for the operation shall then be requested.

10. Outlet provisions will be provided by the Merchandising section at the main office in Quezon City. This is for NCR outlets only. In other areas outside NCR, the respective PDO covering the locality will provide the provisions.

11. The Agency Contract will finally be signed with the PCSO.

12. The outlet will now be subjected for On-Line Activation.

Notice:
• To ensure processing of application, complete the necessary data in the Application Form and attach all the documents required.
• Prior to approval, all application will be subjected to evaluation.

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In order to make a pork tocino, you will need to have its main ingredient which is the meat. It would be better to use any of the following parts of meat: Kasim or pork pigue (lean pork). You can use it with or without skin, depending on your preference. Have the bone removed and slice it to ¼ inch thick. Here are the things you need to on the steps you need to take on how to make tocino:

Prepare the following Ingredients:
• 5-8 tbsp- sugar
• 1 tbsp- gin or rhum
• 2 tbsp- salt
• ½ tablet- ascorbic acid
• ¼- ½ tsp- Prague powder( also called curing salt, insta cure or modern cure)
• 1 tsp- monosodium glutamate(MSG/ vetsin)- this is optional

After preparing the ingredients, make sure that the following equipments are available:
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Weighing scale
• Measuring spoon
• Mixing bowl

You will also need packaging materials
• 6’’ x 12’’ Polyethylene bags( thermoplastic),with 0.003 thickness
• Rectangular Styrofoam with cling on top

Now you are ready to make Tocino.

• Cut the meat into ¼ inch thick (0.63 cm)
• Put all the ingredients together for curing
• Mix it to allow even distribution while rubbing both sides of slices
• Rearrange the slices then cover the bowl
• Allow the slices to cure
12 hours- at room temp
3 days- in the refrigerator

Note: To prolong shelf life, you may dry the slices under the sun after curing.

Home Recipe of Tocino

Ingredients:

• Meat cut into ¼ inch thick- 2lbs ( you can use pork chops or red loin with fats)
• Annatto (atsuete) water- 2 tbsp
• Anise wine- 2 tbsp
• Salt- 2 tbsp
• Sugar- 4 tbsp
• Salitre (saltpeter)- 1/8 tsp
• Cooking oil- 2 tbsp

Procedure:

• Except for the pork, mix all the ingredients in a shallow pan
• Then, pour the mixture onto the pork. Ensure that it is evenly distributed.
• Stack the pork inside the container then cover it. To allow curing, place it inside the refrigerator for about 3 days.
• When cooking, place the pork in a frying pan and add a little water, then fry.

Related Video:

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Reports said SMIC, Asia Pacific Gaming of Australia, and a US-based casino operator held exploratory talks for a possible partnership in the proposed gaming facility. Jose T. Sio, SMIC executive vice-president and chief finance officer said that they expect to close the negotiations with the foreign proponent before the year ends.

SMIC acquired in December last year, a provisional license from the government’s casino franchise firm, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). This license allows SMIC to develop a world-class entertainment and gaming center on the 60 hectare property of its second biggest mall.

Sio stated that the casino will just take up a small portion of the proposed world-class complex, adding that SMIC will only be providing the entertainment facilities.

According to Sio, the project will be undertaken by another unit of SMIC. The first phase of the development will be consisting of several hotels by known international hotel chains like Raddisson and the upscale Regent brands.

Also included in the project are residential condominium building, high-end retail shops, a sports arena, a ferry terminal that will directly link up the Mall of Asia with SMIC’s Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas and a theater for the performing arts.

Sio also added that aside from the high-end hotels, the SM group will be putting up their own SM-branded hotels for them to cater to customers on a limited budget.

The SM group will be demolishing its one-level corporate headquarter located in front of the Mall of Asia to pave the way for the development of the world-class complex. They will then relocate their offices to the Two-Ecom building which is currently under construction.

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Jollibee vice president for international operations Dennis Flores said that, “we envision that by the year 2020, Jollibee will already have 4,000 stores, 75 percent of which are outside the Philippines.” He added that, “we know it will be tough to achieve but if you look back 30 years ago when this company started, would you have believed how it has grown this big from just an ice cream parlor.”

Last February 14, Jollibee has brought the familiar ‘langhap-sarap’ goodness to Filipinos in Queens, New York, when it opened its first store in the East Coast, USA. And because of their success there, the company has already set its sights on other populous cities.

For Asia alone, Flores said there are 12 more stores in the works for operations this year – four in Saudi Arabia, four in Vietnam, two in Dubai and one each in Qatar and Brunei. Another area also being considered is Macao.

For the US operations, 7 more stores are being planned to be opened in different locations. These are Plaza Bonita in San Diego, Rosemead and New West Covina in South Carolina, Oceanside in San Diego, Concorde Seafood City in North Carolina and Village Square and Colonnade both in Las Vegas. These, they all wish to accomplish before the end of 2010.

JFC chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said “as of the fourth quarter of 2008, our foreign operations accounted already for 15.9 percent of our system wide sales. Our aim is to derive at least half of our revenues from outside of the Philippines at some point in the future, both from organic growth and acquisitions even as we expect our Philippine Business to sustain a healthy growth rate in the years to come.”

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Of course, something as good as this will not escape the Philippines, as we Filipinos are known to be a lover of good food. That is why Kim Fuentebella brought Krispy Kreme in the country, who has now already developed its own cult of followers.

Kim Fuentebella, whose family also owns the famous Max’s Restaurant, isn’t selfish to share some secrets of his success. For one, he said that Krispy Kreme tops all doughnuts and that there’s nothing like it. He observed that in 2006, “there were a lot Filipinos hand-carrying boxes from the US. Even then, there was high brand acceptability for KK.”

He cautioned though, all those who are planning to have their own franchises, that not because a product or brand is successful abroad, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it will succeed here. One has to do his homework and understand the market he is after.

“Franchising is not for everyone and requires dedication to ensure success. One may have an advantage by starting off with brand recognition, but without passion and integrity for business, one courts failure,” Kim said. He added that “One must also deliver and execute precisely what the market expects of the brand.”

A proof that Kim knows what he’s saying, his first branch which opened in Bonifacio High Street was lined up with around 800 to 1,000 people on its opening day, each one dying to have a bite of the Krispy Kreme doughnut.

For its price though, you can say that this doughnut is for the AB market. But then, people say the experience is all worth it.

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That is why it was also one of the better options that were offered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-sponsored Basic Entrepreneur seminar to their participants. The title of the seminar was “A Responsive and Innovative Strategy for Entrepreneur” or ARISE.

That is because, in a franchise set-up, the whole business mechanism is already in place. Standards have already been set, as well as all the different aspects of the business. “With a franchise you don’t need to promote your product vigorously,” said DTI Business Development Division OIC, Engr. Engiemar Tupaz. He added that with a capitalization of P100,000 to P150,000, a potentially lucrative business can be opened.

According to the franchise leaders in the country, franchising has proven to stand the test of time, whether the economy is good or bad, in many countries including the Philippines. Franchising makes business simple for aspiring entrepreneurs because of the ready standardized package for marketing, training of manpower, product and product development, including technical support to their partners.

An 80 million population market in the Philippines is being looked upon by business experts as a good pool of managerial and skilled people that could qualify the country as a haven for franchise ventures.

For those who are interested on franchising contracts, you can contact DTI Negros Occ. for more information at the following numbers: 433-02-50, 434-79-20 and 708-24-23.

Alternatively, five industries in the province, aside from franchising, that also offer good opportunity include; manufacturing-garments, furniture, house ware, gifts, and metal crafts; tourism; food; agriculture-high value crops and aquaculture.

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That business which started with P3,000 capital and a bored couple is now able to penetrate the international market. They are now known as R. Cabrera’s Gifts and Collection (RCGC), and  exports their products indirectly to Singapore, Europe and North America through their distributors and buyers.

But just like most big business, the Cabrera couple started small. With the P3,000 capital and three production workers, the couple used their house’s terrace as a workplace. It was just a 10-square meter space for the production, according to Vilma.

Their first order was wooden pendants for a native necklace business of a client who was into export. An order worth P20,000 was ordered by the client after seeing the sample designs shown by the couple. With only P3,000 on hand, this presented a problem to the couple. But they don’t want to borrow to finance the production of the order.

By asking for a down payment from the client, the couple was able to buy the raw materials needed and delivered the orders on time. With that initial order, other customers went directly to their small office to inquire about their other products.

Aside from wooden pendants, they have started producing indigenous home decors, paper-based products, kitchen wares, wooden signs and event souvenirs. There were instances that the couple turned down some business deals, because they don’t want the quality of their products to suffer by accepting orders beyond their capacity.

Now, RCGC has a firm foothold in the local market.

As local buyers were impressed and began getting interested in their products, they open a store in Paete, Laguna. The 10-square meter terrace was replaced by a larger work area for the production of handicraft and gift items.

The three production workers have also grown to 25 regular employees and at least 20 subcontract workers. They were also able to open another store in Olivarez Plaza in Los Baños, and another one in Market! Market!  in 2001. After two years, another outlet was opened in Phase 2 of Market! Market!

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1. Know your Business.

First things first, you have to be knowledgeable about the type of franchise business in the Philippines you are engaging yourself with. Do researches and familiarize yourself in the do’s and don’ts of doing franchising. You have to familiarize yourself with the terminologies relating to your business, so as you will not have a hard time transacting with other business partners.
2. Know you product.

Think of the best product that catches your interests the most. Something that you usually use and is not only appealing to you but also appealing to a large number of people. It is better to market something that you have tried, tested and learned to like.

3. Know you customers or clients.

Decide for your target market, will it be the kids, teenagers or adults? It is imperative to know your target market so it will be easy for you to address their concerns and to provide them the product that will suite them.

4. Know your location.

Location! Location! Location! You have to think about the place where you will be placing your business. If the same franchise is already present in one place, you have two choices: either to (1) transfer to another place or (2) compete with it. You also have to think that your location will define the product that you will be selling, if for example, you will be franchising Mcdonald’s, you can’t place Mcdonald’s in a place where people are so conservative and health conscious that only eat home-cooked meals.

5. Know the demand.

This is somehow connected with Knowing your location. You have to do searches about the people living in the place that you plan to build your business. Know what they eat and know what they already have, in learning about these things, you will be able to know if there will be a continuous demand for your product.

6. Know all the necessary costs.

You have to take into account the cost that you will be encountering in building your business. You have to remember that, you should be able to bring back what you have incurred in the past, so you’ll gain profit. Some of the costs are: Starting Capital, Production Cost, Marginal Cost and Employment Cost.

7. Know your capacity.

You should have the skills, belief, enthusiasm and positive attitude.

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